Red Mountain Shelter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Red Mountain Shelter
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | N side of CT 4 in Mohawk State Forest, Cornwall, Connecticut |
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| Area | 6.5 acres (2.6 ha) |
| Built | 1934 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | Adirondack-rustic |
| MPS | Connecticut State Park and Forest Depression-Era Federal Work Relief Programs Structures TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001740 |
| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1986 |
The Red Mountain Shelter is a special old building in Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall, Connecticut. It's a rustic log cabin, built a long time ago in 1934. This shelter is one of only three like it that are still standing in Connecticut. It was built by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped people find jobs during a tough time in history. Because it's so important, the Red Mountain Shelter was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
What is the Red Mountain Shelter?
The Red Mountain Shelter is found on the eastern side of Red Mountain. This mountain is about 1,652 feet (504 meters) tall. The shelter is in the northern part of Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall.
You can find the shelter along a special path called a blue-blazed trail. This trail used to be part of the famous Appalachian Trail. The shelter is a small building made of logs. It has a sloped roof and a strong foundation made from stones without any mortar. One side of the building is open, like a lean-to. The logs are carefully fitted together, and there's a strong wooden beam at the bottom of the open side to make it stable.
Who Built the Shelter?
The Red Mountain Shelter was built in 1934. It was constructed by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program started during the Great Depression. It gave young men jobs building parks, trails, and other important structures across the country.
The CCC crew who built this shelter came from a place called Camp Cross. This camp was located in Housatonic State Forest. The same group also built another similar shelter nearby, called the Cream Hill Shelter.
A Trailside Rest Stop
Both the Red Mountain Shelter and the Cream Hill Shelter were built along what was then the path of the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail is a very long hiking path that goes through many states. The state of Connecticut had already created this part of the trail between 1930 and 1933.
The CCC workers were active from 1933 to 1941. Their job was to help make this part of the forest more useful for people to enjoy. They helped open up the area for hiking and other outdoor activities. Sadly, another shelter similar to this one, located south of Connecticut Route 4, was destroyed by fire around 1977.
